How to Pasteurize Beverages in Mason Jars

Pasteurization is the process of killing harmful bacteria with heat. Pasteurization increases shelf life and eliminates the risk of food borne illnesses without significantly altering a beverage’s taste or appearance. Commercially produced milk, ciders and juices must be pasteurized to protect consumers from salmonella, E. coli and other diseases. For food safety reasons, it is crucial to sanitize your containers and pasteurize raw beverages before consuming them at home or selling them at a farm stand.

Things You'll Need

• Liter mason jars with lids
• Double boiler
• Cooking thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Boil open mason jars and their lids and gaskets for 10 minutes. Place them aside and screw the lids on loosely.

• 2

  Pour the beverage in the top of a double boiler and stir constantly. Raise the temperature of the beverage gradually to 150-degrees Fahrenheit and allow the beverage to boil at this temperature for 30 minutes or more. Use a cooking thermometer to verify the temperature.

• 3

  Take off and discard the skin that may develop on the surface of milk.

• 4

  Fill a sink or basin with cool water.

• 5

  Pour the beverage into the mason jars and screw the lids and gaskets on tight.

• 6

  Place the mason jars in the cool water for 15 minutes, and transfer the beverages to the refrigerator.